Derry: Thousands set for Europe’s biggest spooky festival

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Derry, the city where Halloween comes to life like nowhere else, is ready to host Europe’s most massive Halloween celebration.

With more than 30,000 people expected to participate, this annual four-day extravaganza is reaching its grand finale with the famous Halloween parade and a spectacular fireworks show. Organizers proudly claim this event as the largest Halloween festival in Europe, and its popularity knows no bounds.

Aideen McCarter of the council shared her excitement, saying, “The popularity of this event spreads right across these islands, right across the world.” She also noted that the event has returned to pre-Covid attendance levels, and they anticipate an unforgettable and safe Halloween for all.

This year’s Halloween festival in Derry is expected to be bigger and better than ever. The closing parade, featuring hundreds of local school children and community groups, will dazzle the city streets before the night sky lights up with a breathtaking fireworks display.

Since its inception in 1986, Halloween celebrations in Derry have gained international acclaim, cementing the city’s status as one of the world’s top Halloween destinations. The event is a spectacle where people of all ages don creative costumes and revel in the spooky atmosphere.

The council anticipates that more than 130,000 people will have visited the city over the four days of the event. International visitors, like Mario Marz from Salem, Massachusetts, are also drawn to Derry for this incredible festival. “This is the biggest festival in Europe, and we are so looking forward to it,” said Mr. Marz.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebration is the use of 100 drones that will take to the skies to create a mesmerizing light show over the River Foyle, a first for Derry. The drones will form various spooky Halloween-themed images in the night sky, adding an extra layer of magic to the festivities.

As Halloween enthusiasts from around the world gather in Derry, the city is all set to create unforgettable memories and continue its tradition of hosting Europe’s grandest Halloween party. The carnival parade and the dazzling light show promise to be nothing short of breathtaking. However, attendees should be prepared for some traffic disruption as the festival reaches its climax, with the parade beginning at 19:00 GMT and the fireworks display at 20:30. Derry’s Halloween celebration is an event not to be missed, and it keeps getting bigger and better with each passing year.

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